3 Solutions when your Main Refrigerator isn't Enough
In many households, there may be more demands for refrigeration than the primary refrigerator can handle. While moving the old refrigerator out of the kitchen and into the garage after it has been replaced by a new model is often considered a logical solution, taking this path has two disadvantages:
1) The old refrigerator with likely be a guzzler of electricity – A refrigerator that is over 20 years old can consume three times as much electricity as a new model and one that is over 10 years old will use twice as much.
2) The location – The other problem with keeping a full-sized refrigerator as a second option is that it's likely location will be in the garage, which can be highly inconvenient if gaining access requires navigating around the car, a lawn mower, and/or other stored items.
Instead of going with an option that will likely be costly as well as inconvenient, there are 3 refrigeration solutions that can reduce relative energy consumption while also adding the convenience of an easy to reach location.
Another advantage of these three refrigeration solutions is that they can be placed outside of the kitchen triangle. This allows access to refrigerated items for people who have congregated in the kitchen while also keeping them out of the traffic lanes in the space, which can reduce congestion during the meal preparation process.
1) The old refrigerator with likely be a guzzler of electricity – A refrigerator that is over 20 years old can consume three times as much electricity as a new model and one that is over 10 years old will use twice as much.
2) The location – The other problem with keeping a full-sized refrigerator as a second option is that it's likely location will be in the garage, which can be highly inconvenient if gaining access requires navigating around the car, a lawn mower, and/or other stored items.
Instead of going with an option that will likely be costly as well as inconvenient, there are 3 refrigeration solutions that can reduce relative energy consumption while also adding the convenience of an easy to reach location.
- A compact or a counter-high refrigerator – This option is ideal for growing households as it provides additional space for a variety of refrigerated goods ranging from fruits/vegetables to beverages. Counter-high refrigerators can often be fitted with veneers to match surrounding cabinetry for a built-in look. Widths range from 15 to 24 inches with a standard height of 33 to 34 inches.
- A beverage center – This is a great solution for opening space in the main refrigerator. These refrigerators can hold a variety of beverage types including, milk, soda, juice, and white wine that is ready to serve.
- A wine cooler – If you entertain in your kitchen or have an open space that includes the dining area, installing this specialized type of refrigeration will have wine cooled at temperatures for long term aging while also having it ready to serve at a moment's notice. A wine cooler can be installed in the kitchen, but if space is at a premium this type of refrigerator is also appropriate for the dining area. If the unit will be located outside of the kitchen, look for a cooler that runs at around 40 decibels to minimize distraction.
Another advantage of these three refrigeration solutions is that they can be placed outside of the kitchen triangle. This allows access to refrigerated items for people who have congregated in the kitchen while also keeping them out of the traffic lanes in the space, which can reduce congestion during the meal preparation process.
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